Promoting Respect and Equality of Women, A National Declaration of Muslim Leaders

August 5, 2014

On this thirtieth day of August 2014, we the Imams, Muslim chaplains and Muslim leaders who represent Muslim communities across North America and beyond, hereby proclaim that we stand united against any and all oppression and violence directed against girls and women whether in society or in their own homes.

Our religion of Islam teaches us that men and women are created from one soul (Qur’an 4:1) and that the relationship between men and women should be based in mutual friendship and supporting one another in righteousness (Qur’an 9:71). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught us that “the best among you are those who are best to their spouses.” The Prophet loved his daughter Fatima so much that he would stand for her when she came in his presence and would kiss her forehead out of affection. As such, we strongly reject any injustice perpetrated against girls and women in the false name of faith. And, we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to the human rights and well-being of girls and women as part of the highest ethical traditions of Islam.

We commit to educating ourselves and our communities in the right attitude and treatment of girls and women by spreading correct religious knowledge and increasing awareness of the plight faced by too many in the world. We will continue to train ourselves and our communities to better serve the needs of those who face oppression and violence, and to provide the necessary spiritual and moral support that is needed.

Therefore, we hereby commit to working together, alongside our sisters in faith and humanity, to strive for a future without oppression and violence against girls, women and others, and to cultivate a culture in which believing men and women live together in peace, mutual respect, and loving harmony in our homes, mosques, and societies.